60 Minutes Asks: Are Phthalates Really Dangerous?

Phthalates are found in an extraordinary number of everyday products. While it’s proven that the chemicals leach out of these products in high amounts, there’s still a bit of gray area in tying them, beyond all question, to health consequences. CBS News tackles these questions in the video below discusses. And as always, there are two sides to every story.

In the meantime, we parents are left wondering how best to protect our growing children. Do throw our lot in with the chemical industry, who claims the undeniable safety of phthalates? Or do we take precautions based on the available research? Is it safe to wait for more studies to be completed, risking genital deformities and infertility in our boys at an increasingly alarming level?

I’m sure you know where we stand on this issue. But we want to hear your thoughts as well. Have you decided on a wait and see, or on a precautionary route?

I'm taking the precautionary route. No question. If there is the possibility of harm to my family I'd rather be safe than sorry. The health of my child comes above the profit of large companies claiming that some chemicals are safe when they may not be safe. I always look at studies and decide for myself. I stopped using phthalates during my pregnancy and I've never looked back.

Thanks for sharing the video. My son was born with hypospadius and I never knew that the 2 might be related. It's a tough battle to remove phthalates from our lives and I appreciate the work you do to find answers for parents. 🙂